National Republican., 1887-12-05
SECRETARY IAMAws REPORT
In which Many valuable Suggestions
Are Made.


The report Of the Secretary OF the Interior
has been submitted to the President. In
speaking Of the public lands the Secretary
remarks that "under existing Laws IL is ap.
parent that the area Of our public lands Is
rapidly diminishing. This would not be au
evil II the lands were passing from the gov
erument to seats of actual occupation by
bona flde settlers, or bona flde purchasers
for purposes Of settlement. Nothing
can be surer safeguar1 In
free community against the dominating
influences Of powerful corporations and
combinations OF capital than a body OF in.
dependent small land owners living upon
their own freeholds. But the facts are
known to be otherwise. II is subject to
which have been forced by the necessities
OF my position to give much thought, and
the conclusion TO which l have come Is that
most Of the troubles and abuses that en-.
vron 1t can be removed by legislative &C.
ton, and that such action is the sole
remedy.n
Since March, 1885, 81 ,s24,4sl acres have
been restored to the public domain. Anu
sion is made to Indian affairs, showing the
efforts made to ciyllize this race Of people.
Alloiments of lands have been made to
such Indians as were found competent to
take care Of the same. Schools have been
provided, with capacity for 1896 pupils,
at an expense of $l,170,00O. Compulsory
education Of the Indian youths is sug-
gested as worthy OF early and serious con.
sideration.
TIE Secretary recommends that the edu-
cation OF the Alaska Indians be placed
under the bureau Of education. The funds
belonging to the Indian tribes now in Gus
tody OF the United States treasurer am punt
to S1,79S, ,0l6s3. The Indian commission
had: tuccetded In obtaining cession of
20 0C0,000 acres OF territory from the In
dams to the United States. Considerable
space is given TO the various troubles ami
outbreaks Of the indians during the year.
Under the head OF "Pensous" 1t Is recon
mended that no pensions be continued to
deceased soldi,fs' children who 90 beyond
the age Of 16, except where cause exists
showing inability to earn livelihood.
There were $3.50 appeals disposed OF from
July l, 1856, TO Nov. l, 1887. During
applications for patents and 81, 532 granted.
The receipts for the patent Office were
$l,lj0,0iG 05 and expenditures 1891, ,6ii %
The financial condition Of twenty three rail
roads subsidized or aided by land grants is
given. Tie recommendation is made that
the interstate commerce commission be re-.
qulred to report to the President and ap.
point its own officers.
The bureau of labor Is referred TO In its
on strikes and lockouts, the question OF
wages and the condition Of the working
classes. The labors of the bureau are NOT
yet ready for publication. Under the head
of bureau of education the workings of tha
branch Of the general service Is touched
upon, especially the educational advance.
ments made In Alaska.
The achievements OF the geological sur
veys are mentioned with favor. Improve
ments at the Hot Springs reservation, Ar
kansas, are recommended. The Yellow
stone National Park police, he says, should
be increased to fifteen, as also the pay OF
the officials there. Suitable punishments
should be provided for those found doing
improper acts within the park. The SUN Of
$4,000 is asked to fix the actual bounds OF
the park by survey. The SUN OF S3S,500
is desired for the care and government Of
the place.
The new pension building is shown to have
at the capitol are referred to. Allusion Ia
also made to the excellent results OF the
National Deaf Mute College, the Maryland
Institution for the Blind, the Insane Asy-
Ium, the Freedman's Hospital, the Elwyn
Pennsylvania Institute for Feeble Minded
Children, and the Washington Hospital for
Foundllngs. The report concludes with
reference to the condition and financial
rrles. The population Of the same
| is estimated as follows: Arizona, 10000;
Dakota, 56S, 400: Idaho, 97,250: Montana,
| 10000; New Mexico, 100000; Utah, 1885,
500; Washington, 142 ,30l; Wyoming, 81, 900.
Assistant Secretary Muldrow is thanked
for his services, as also the various officers
and employees for their good services.